SMMT sees drop in new car CO2 emissions

A report from the SMMT claims average new car CO2 emissions fell by their biggest ever margin last year with the recession and the scrappage scheme steering buyers towards fuel-efficient models.

Environmentalists sue the EC

A coalition of environmental groups has filed a legal action against the European Commission over its refusal to release documents on the negative climate impacts of widespread biofuel use in the EU.

UK risks losing advantage

The UK will face decades of slow economic decline unless it invests heavily in research - one of the country’s few genuine areas of economic competitive advantage, according to a report by the Royal Society.

BP fined for workplace hazards

The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says that BP is responsible for exposing its workers to a variety of hazards at its refinery in Ohio.

SSET to buy ATLAS network

Scottish and Southern Energy Telecommunications (SSET) has entered into an agreement with Scottish Enterprise to acquire the ATLAS fibre telecommunications network.

Simplifying at-home dialysis

A new machine could transform the lives of kidney disease sufferers by making it easier for them to perform their own dialysis treatment at home and no longer make trips to the hospital three times a week.

Octopus invests in Metrasens

Octopus Ventures has invested £1.5m into Metrasens, a technology business specialising in metal detection products for the healthcare and security markets.

Firms neglect tax breaks

Tax specialists Capitus believes companies involved in any type of R&D across a range of industries could be missing out on substantial tax relief.

Animations aid mobility in elderly

Strathclyde University has launched a research initiative with the aim of improving rehabilitation after stroke, speeding up recovery from joint replacements and preventing older people from falling.

Bio-diesel tested for ship engines

Lloyd’s Register is to play a major role in a two-year programme to test the suitability of bio-diesel for use in powering marine engines.

Hydropower map shows potential

A map that shows where hydropower could be deployed in England and Wales could help to tap into the unused power potential of British rivers.

Cameras to enhance cancer diagnosis

The time taken to detect brain tumours could be significantly reduced as a result of a nuclear physics project being led by Liverpool University.

Seeing through opaque materials

French researchers have shown that it’s possible to focus light through opaque materials and detect objects hidden behind them, provided enough is known about the material.